The Substitute.

prologue

"You can do this," I said to myself, straightening my perfectly pressed pantsuit. I grimaced, lying had never been my forte so I
didn't sound too convincing even to my own ears.

I quickly dashed out of my bathroom after switching out my bun for a professional looking ponytail. I whispered a quick thank you for my hair that was easy to manipulate and after a few tugs, I was good to go.

A cup of coffee and a granola bar had to do for breakfast as I sent a quick text to Mrs. White, reminding her about my one week absence from the bakery. I couldn't afford to be late and a quick glance at my watch revealed I had barely 20 minutes to get to work, well Macy's work.

I took a deep breath, berating myself once again for agreeing to this in the first place. Of all the outrageous things Macy had ever asked of me, this came roughly at number one.

Well hell. I couldn't back out now, so I grabbed my keys and locked my door before leaving. I muttered a hurried good morning to Mr. Hale the doorman since I'd moved into my apartment four months ago.

Diving into my car, I placed my foot on the gas pedal and hit it hard. As soon as i entered the rich part of town, it was easy to spot the building. A quick glance at the large letters that spelled Wright Inc, I new I was in the right place.

It was hard to run in stilettoes and the pinching sensation in my feet was proof enough. Ignoring the pain, I made a bee line for the reception. Thankfully, the thirty something blonde behind the desk looked nice enough.

"Good morning," I said, offering her a small smile.

"Good morning, how can I help you?" She gave me a smile of her own.

"I'm Aubrey Woodsen, I am filling in for Macy Lane. She had to Leave the state for a family emergency." I rushed out, half hoping she would simply call security and have me thrown out. Respectfully, of course. So I would head home happily, tell Macy I tried and be on the way to my job. I chuckled inwardly at my absurd situation.

I glanced at her name neatly printed on the badge. Chelsea, it suited her. Chelsea's brow furrowed in confusion. It probably wasn't a normal occurrence for an employee to go AWOL and send in her best friend as a replacement for a few days.

Her gaze turned to the flat screen computer monitor in front of her. I could hear her fingers clicking away at the keyboard and silently prayed that Macy had been smart enough to notify the company about my presence. But knowing her, most likely not.

So I was pretty surprised when Chelsea turned to me with a smile," Oh here it is. Ms. Lane works on the 28th floor as Mr. Wright's secretary." She directed me to one of the five elevators on the far right.

My smiled withered as I mulled over her words. Mr Wright... wright inc, it didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out who he was or in this case, what he was. Luckily, I was alone on the car so I could hyperventilate in private. Macy had accidentally forgotten to mention that she was the secretary of the boss!

What if he didn't take kindly to last minute replacements? What if he was just plain mean?? A lot of scenarios played out in my mind and all of them ended with my ass in jail which was most likely an exaggeration but not completely impossible. Too soon, the elevator came to I stop and I gingerly stepped out.

Apparently, not only did Mr.Wright have the whole floor to himself but also had his own small reception, complete with the desk and all. After a few explanations on my part and instructions from the slightly intimidating receptionist, I stood outside the boss man's office. The words CEO on the door made my heart skip a beat and I knocked quickly before I could lose my nerve.

When I heard the distinct ' come in', I proceeded inside. Immediately, my eyes took in the spacious room whose size appeared to combine both my living room and kitchen. Safe to say it was huge. With a wall sized window looking over Manhattan, a large mahogany desk smack in the middle of the room and several paintings plus a potted plant all adding to the macho nature of the office.

Someone cleared their throat and my gaze flew to the source of the sound. Holy Jesus on a wooden bicycle!

Emerald eyes were the first thing I noticed, long and narrow aristocratic nose, sharp jawline and stubborn chin leading right down to a strong column of throat partially hidden by a crisp white collar and navy blue tie. He had broad shoulders and an impressive amount of muscles trying to be contained within an obviously tailored suit. And even more impressive was the fact that he did not look a day over twenty eight.

I opened my mouth to say something but I didn't release a peep. So i probably looked like a dying fish before the Zeus incarnate behind the desk.

To my utter embarrassment, he said," Are you planning to eye rape me all day or something?" His voice reminded me of melting honey. Firm and in control and downright arrogant.

I blushed to the roots of my hair, the humiliation overpowering my fury. He was obviously one of those people that thought they were better than everyone else simply because they were rich.

Damage control, I muttered mentally. So with my head held high and my shoulders square, I met his gaze. I cursed when the urge to look at the ground or anywhere but him hit me like bricks but did not surrender, "Good morning Mr.Wright. I am-"

"Whatever," he said, cutting me off rudely. " You're late" he continued flatly.

I bristled allowing an image of me strangling him to calm me down. I swallowed the colourful words at the tip of my tongue, "May I have a seat...sir?" I quickly added the last part at the raise of a perfect eyebrow. And why the heck was everything about this man perfect!?

He nodded once and I lowered myself into one of the two leather chairs across him. He stared at me expectantly and I almost blanched under his smouldering look until it hit me. He wanted me to apologize!?

I pursed my lips, reminding myself that I couldn't get Macy fired. "I'm sorry I'm late." I bit out, the words this close to choking me.

He gave me a satisfied look and I thought I detected mirth in his emerald obs but I quickly discarded the thought. After about five minutes, I had come to the conclusion that this guy was incapable of humor. He had none. Zilch.

He leaned forward onto the desk, his large hands clasped together and his gaze meeting mine. He said," So, I believe you know what you're here for."

I almost snorted, could he be more rude? My respect for Macy was through the roof right now if she went through this on a daily basis and was still sane and not behind bars for murder.

"Yes, I-" I began to reply and almost lost it right then when he interrupted me once again. I was beginning to think it was a habit.

"Do you have any experience whatsoever?"

"Well no, not really. I workatabakeryactually." I rushed through the words, determined to finish and this time I was sure his mouth morphed into a smirk. The blood immediately rushed to my cheeks, I probably sounded like a loon.

I had other problems though, like the fact that the smirk made him high on irresistible as two deep dimples appeared on his cheeks.

"Let's get started then, shall we?" The smirk grew and my heart pounded in my chest. I was actually quite surprised that he couldn't hear it. I muttered a prayer for the strength I would need for the day, no screw that, the whole damn week.

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